With these koi pond design tips from Art of the Yard in Denver, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect water feature for your backyard. Water features are relaxing and add to an oasis-type ambiance in your outdoor space. The addition of koi to your pond only serves to further that sense of serenity. And our experts will work with you to bring your vision to life.
Koi are relatively easy to care for, which has helped further their popularity. However, there are a few things you can do that will better ensure that they thrive. So what do koi need? Let’s take a look at our koi pond design tips.
Water, Water, Everywhere
Did you know that full grown koi can get to be 36 inches long and weigh approximately 45 pounds? These guys are not your average goldfish. Most backyard koi ponds are not big enough for koi to grow to that size, so it is more common to see them top out around 21 inches long. That said, aim to have a pond of about 1000 gallons of water at least 3 or 4 feet deep.
Protection Against Cold
Koi can survive the cold provided a few conditions are met. If their pond ices over, you must maintain a hole in the ice of sufficient surface area that gases can exchange adequately. Plus, your fish need to have that 3 or 4-foot deep koi pond so they can escape to deeper waters.
Oxygen
There should always be plenty of oxygen in the water. One of the easiest ways to ensure this is to install a waterfall or fountain. Not only do they add to the ambiance of your yard, but they also do a great job of aerating the water. In the summer, the koi need even more oxygen so be sure to check that there are adequate levels during the hottest months
Filtration
Your pond should be maintained and water clean at all times. This is accomplished through the use of mechanical and biological filtration systems, as well as professional expertise.
Proper Diet
Koi are significantly affected by their diet. To have healthy, pretty fish, feed them correctly. Quality fish flakes or pellet food are ideal for most days. However, if you want them to get even bigger and more colorful you can supplement with highly nutritious foods like proteins, fruits, and veggies, and specially made color-enhancing foods.
Correct Feeding
Koi don’t have stomachs and can’t store excess food. If you continually give them too much, you’ll start to notice lots of algae and poor water quality in your koi pond. This is due to an overload of nutrients in the water and an unwanted explosion of growth. Also, don’t feed them once the water temperature drops below 40 degrees. At this point, they go into a type of hibernation, where they tend to not eat.
We here at Art of the Yard hope these koi pond design tips help you with some ideas of what to expect as a koi pond owner. There’s a little bit more to it, of course, but you can always count on our experts to lend you a hand with your pond. Contact us today and let’s get started.